Jørgensen wants to regulate fisheries in Natura 2000, EU-wide nature protection site, areas in the Baltic Sea, the Kattegat and the Belt Sea by eliminating trawling, which experts agree is devastating for the seabed and particularly affects reefs, the epicentres of biodiversity on the sea floor.

The ten Natura 2000 areas are protected by the Danish Nature Agency in order to preserve biodiversity.

Denmark sets an example “It is necessary to implement actions that can protect the future production and high biodiversity of the Danish waters. Therefore, I am really glad that Denmark is taking the driving seat in protecting reefs in the EU” Jørgensen said in a press release.

Germany and Sweden also have fishing rights in these areas and have been invited to an international meeting in Denmark to discuss the proposal on June 26. Jørgensen’s plan would protect the majority of Danish reefs.